If Freddy vs. Jason had been directed by anyone other than Ronny Yu, and stared any other the incomparable Robert England it would be half the picture it is. While this is not a necessary or intense meeting of iconic slashers from decade’s past, it is at least a semi-smart melding of two franchises and settles the age-old schoolyard arguments of who’d win a fight between the two maniacal powerhouses.
Somebody is breaking the reality rule, Freddy brought Jason back because he was too weak to harm the children of elm street himself. Unfortunately Jason is way too frightening and Freddy can’t stop him. The title match up is an extended battle between the two 1980s icons, it’s like witnessing a WWE (or WWF if your grew up in the Hogan era) death match with demons.

A lot of the fun to be had is in spotting hallmarks of both series, a girl skinny dipping alone, or a teenage try to desperately stay awake while her parents put sleeping aids in her drink. This is arguably the most well produced entry in either franchise. Sure it’s a horror movie with a gimmick, but there are enough clever touches to make for an memorable entry into either the Nightmare on Elm Street or Friday the 13th catalogues. This is still Robert England ballgame, Who invests his all into the role of Freddy Krueger, and for my money is the most notorious screen villain of all-time.